Meet Our Team
Licensed Professional Counselor
Tamara Thomas
“I love seeing my clients grow,and live their life on purpose. Empowerment is the strongest vehicle to change. Your journey begins with you..."
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Tamara established Transpire Wellness in 2020, with the desire to build a practice based on integrity, professionalism, and quality mental health treatment. A place where everyone feels valued, heard and seen. She is committed equally to growing a profession for therapists of color and in 2022 began offering internship and practicum experiences for graduate interns studying counseling. Tamara holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Salisbury University, a Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University and a Masters in Management and Leadership from Liberty University.
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Resident Counselor
Tia Adams
“I like to build a rapport with my clients that will allow them to develop the strong trust needed to walk along this journey of self-development with support. I'm a skilled listener. I empathize and connect with my clients in a way that makes sense for them. Working with me will feel like working with a friend, you will have a safe space to invest in the life you desire for yourself.”
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Ms. Adams joins our practice as a Resident in Counseling for the State of Virginia; as she is working to pursue her LGPC license. She is a recent graduate from Liberty University, with a Master’s of Science in Counseling. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication from James Madison University. Tia has a passion for this work, and has dedicated herself to one day owning her own private practice.
Liberty University Counseling Intern
Adriane Skillman
I am looking forward to building relationships with my new clients and helping them to navigate the challenges of life. I feel there is so much that we can learn from each other if we are open to change and healing. I am able to demonstrate compassion, truthfulness, and respect so that clients will have a safe place to be able to begin their healing journey.
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Salisbury University Social Work Intern
Sheenay Adams Saunders
Sheenay Adams-Saunders graduated from Salisbury University with her bachelor’s in psychology in 2013. She is currently working towards the completion of her master’s in social work at Salisbury University. She has over 10 years of experience working with children, families, and individuals as an agent of support and guidance. Her professional experiences include a commitment to serving the needs of children and families. She has studied many modalities to bring healing to those in need. She is a life-long learner inspired by the abundance of opportunities available to broaden and enrich the lives of individuals and families served. Mental health is a strong focus of hers including a person-centered approach to help her clients to overcome various obstacles that they may be faced with that hinder their ability to move through life. When working with individuals and families Sheenay strives for a sense of connection, safety, integrity, and open-mindedness. She will move at a pace that is comfortable with her clients and meet them where they are in life.
Salisbury University Social Work Intern
Breanna Harrod
“I want my clients to walk into the room and feel a sense of peace and ease when speaking with me. I want the process to be a collaborative one where the client is in control of what they want to work on, while I assist them in the process. I want them to understand that I respect them and understand that they are in charge of their decisions. I want to help them identify their own strengths and figure out how to use those to help them achieve their goals. I look forward to helping them reach their goals and helping them learn techniques they can continue to use on their journey when they no longer need my assistance.”
Breanna Harrod obtained her Bachelor of Science in Family Science at the University of Maryland, College Park. She is currently working on obtaining her Master of Social Work degree at Salisbury University. Breanna has a passion for working with others, especially the youth population. She wants them to understand their problems are no less important than anyone and they deserve to be seen and heard, as well. Breanna will use compassion, active listening skills, and empathy to connect with her clients, while helping them discover their strengths and assisting them on their journey.
Liberty University Counseling Intern
Erin Breaux
"I believe empowerment is greater than advice."
Erin completed her bachelors of arts in psychology at Albany State University and is currently pursuing a masters in clinical mental health counseling at Liberty University. She seeks to be a beacon of light for her clients. She brings authenticity, compassion, trust, and openness to the therapeutic relationship. Her hope is for all of her clients to thrive in life even when it may seem difficult to just survive. She is excited to develop in the profession and grow with her clients.
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Therapist
Kia D. McKinney, MA MEd LGPC
“I have always had a heart for the misunderstood, the underrepresented and those that some consider to be outcasts. My ‘why’ is that I want to provide space for others to feel seen and heard. When I have a client before me who is hesitant about counseling and somewhat resistant- this is the comparison that I like to make: “Therapy is like a road map. Yes, you can go on a journey without a road map. But isn’t it nice to know that there is a tool, maybe tucked away in your glove box, just in case you need a little help navigating your way?’ With that being said, I am so excited to be on this journey and look forward to this amazing opportunity with Transpire Wellness!”
With a combined total of twenty years of experience as a counselor in the mental health, substance abuse and school counseling disciplines, Kia McKinney is a firm believer in the power of conversation and human connection.
Ms. McKinney has a Masters degree in Psychology and a Masters degree in School Counseling from Washington College and Wilmington University respectively.
Born and raised in a rural community, she understands that many suffer in silence due to stigma or lack of resources. Her approach to therapy is eclectic as she is a proponent of equity in therapy. This involves giving clients what they need rather than a “one size fits all” approach because that approach does not take into consideration the unique personal, cultural and individual differences that we all bring to the table.
Practice Administrator
Darian Cherry, BA
"I chose to work at Transpire Wellness because I am passionate about helping others. Every day, we provide services that make a significant impact on the lives of many individuals. Being able to do this because of the trust we gain from our clients means the world."